A Frozen Heart Aflutter

[Everyone, I'm taking tomorrow off. It's my birthday today, and I'm still updating, so I'm taking tomorrow off qwq]

[Please follow, send gifts, and add this book to your bookshelf awa]

[Having followers and readers keeping up with the story gives me the motivation to update ovo]

[Bronya is the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya in my story (because I really didn't know what to call her)]

In the early morning, the Zapolyarny Palace was shrouded in a pale blue mist, creating a dreamlike scene.

Baichen stood quietly by the window, gazing at the ice crystal flowers in the courtyard. In the light of the rising sun, they refracted a rainbow of colors, looking like something out of a dream.

His fingers brushed his forehead unconsciously, as if he could still feel the lingering warmth of Bronya's kiss from the night before.

That kiss had been as cool as ice and snow, yet it had left an indelible mark on his heart.

He recalled the scene from last night: Bronya's lips had brushed his forehead, and in that instant, time itself had seemed to stop.

Her breath had been soft and warm, a stark contrast to the chill morning mist.

Though brief, that kiss had been filled with endless tenderness and love.

Baichen couldn't help smiling as his thoughts gradually drifted away.

Bronya's image kept flashing through his mind. Her ice-crystal beauty, as well as her care and love for him, made him feel immeasurably happy.

[System notification]

[Cryo affinity stable]

[Compatibility with Electro: 72% (can be increased)]

A knock sounded, and a maid dressed in a silver-white uniform bowed respectfully. "Lord Baichen, Her Majesty the Tsaritsa is waiting for you in the Ice Blossom Court."

Baichen stepped carefully through the long, splendid crystal corridor.

Each step felt as light and unreal as walking on clouds.

As he went farther in, the crystal walls around him began to reflect a soft light.

The rays interwove, forming a dreamlike world.

He was awestruck by the sight before him, as if he had traveled to an entirely different time and place.

Everything here seemed so pure and transparent, without the slightest impurity.

The crystal light flowed over him, making him feel as though he too had become clear and translucent.

Baichen continued on and finally arrived at a semi-open courtyard.

At its center stood a magnificent ice crystal fountain.

The fountain was like an exquisitely carved work of art, every detail displaying the height of beauty.

The water sparkled in the sunlight with a dazzling array of colors, brilliant as a rainbow.

He stood quietly in the courtyard, admiring the beauty of the ice crystal fountain.

The sound of splashing water echoed through the air, like a beautiful concert performed by nature.

Enchanted by the dreamlike scene, he felt its serenity and beauty.

And standing beside the fountain was none other than Bronya.

Today, Bronya seemed utterly transformed, almost like a different person from the one he knew.

She had cast aside her splendid, elaborate court dress in favor of an ice-blue training outfit.

The outfit was perfectly tailored, complementing her figure while allowing her to move with complete freedom.

Its color was like winter ice and snow, cool and pure against Bronya's fair skin.

It made her look even more elegant, like a celestial maiden descended to earth.

Her slender figure, once concealed by her court dress, was now fully revealed by the training outfit. Every line was smooth and natural, as though she were a work of art carefully sculpted by the heavens.

Bronya's long hair was no longer carefully pinned up as it usually was, but simply tied behind her head.

A few strands cascaded naturally over her fair neck, swaying gently as she moved and lending her a touch of liveliness and playfulness.

The moment Baichen entered the courtyard, Bronya's pale eyes curved slightly, like the surface of a lake rippling beneath a spring breeze.

The corners of her mouth rose almost unconsciously in a faint smile. Like spring flowers blooming, it was subtle, yet enough to reveal the joy in her heart.

"Did you sleep well?"

"All... all right." Baichen answered cautiously, his gaze sweeping over the various training equipment in the courtyard.

Bronya chuckled and suddenly reached out to brush his cheek.

The icy touch made him shiver, but she withdrew her hand then. "Don't be nervous. Today is just basic training."

She moved behind Baichen and rested both hands gently on his shoulders. "First, feel the breath of Snezhnaya."

As she spoke, the temperature in the courtyard plummeted.

Tiny ice crystals formed around them, slowly spinning as though alive.

Bronya's breath brushed his ear. "Close your eyes and imagine you're a snowflake..."

The position was excessively intimate, but Baichen obediently did as she said.

Strangely enough, under Bronya's guidance, the Cryo within him did begin to flow in a regular rhythm, resonating in some way with the world outside.

"Very good." Her voice held approval. "Now, try concentrating it in your palm."

Baichen opened his eyes and saw that a thin layer of frost already covered his palm. As he focused, the frost gradually condensed into a tiny ice crystal.

"You have good talent." Bronya nodded in satisfaction. "Much better than a certain Electro girl."

The obvious comparison left Baichen unsure how to respond.

Bronya suddenly took his wrist from behind. "Next, try this-"

Her palm covered the back of Baichen's hand, guiding the Cryo into a crystalline short sword.

The intimate position pressed his back against her chest, and he could clearly feel her heartbeat.

"The advantage of Cryo is its versatility." Her voice was close to his ear. "Unlike Electro, which is so... crude."

[Bronya's favorability +3%, current: 36%]

[Reward obtained: Cryo Shaping (beginner)]

Training lasted from early morning until noon.

Bronya's teaching style was completely different from Ei's. She was especially patient and meticulous.

She personally demonstrated every movement, making sure Baichen could master it without error.

Under her careful guidance, Baichen gradually grew familiar with the technique and finally succeeded in forming an ice shield, filling him with a sense of achievement.

Seeing his results, Bronya smiled with satisfaction and even gently ruffled his hair as a reward. "You're progressing very quickly. This afternoon, we can start learning how to apply it in actual combat."

When lunchtime arrived, they came to the courtyard to enjoy a meal.

Attendants brought out steaming stews and Snezhnaya's special dark bread one after another. The food gave off a mouthwatering aroma.

Bronya served Baichen soup herself, making the attendants nearby widen their eyes.

"Eat more." She pushed the bowl of soup in front of Baichen. "Cryo consumes stamina."

The soup was unexpectedly delicious, with the rich flavor of some mountain delicacy.

Bronya propped up her chin and watched him drink. Then she suddenly asked, "What does the Raiden Shogun usually teach you?"

"Mainly swordsmanship and... Electro control."

"How unimaginative." Bronya gave a soft huff. "Electro is indeed suited to combat, but Cryo..." An ice rose formed at her fingertip. "It's more elegant, isn't it?"

Baichen accepted the rose. Its petals were as thin as cicada wings, yet they sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight.

Bronya suddenly leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "If you like it, I can teach you more... more than the Electro Archon can give you."

[Bronya's favorability +2%, current: 38%]

[Note: Subtle hostility toward a competitor]

The afternoon's training went deeper.

Bronya demonstrated how to incorporate Cryo into combat, from firing simple ice spikes to creating complex disorienting formations of ice mist.

When Baichen successfully reproduced a simple version, she clapped happily.

"Wonderful! As a reward..." She produced an ice crystal necklace as if by magic. "This can help you stabilize your elemental flow."

The necklace's pendant was like a translucent snowflake, carved from sapphire.

Its color was deep and pure, as though it contained endless mysteries and charm.

When Baichen touched it, a cool sensation traveled up from his fingertips. It wasn't piercingly cold, but pleasantly refreshing.

Just as Baichen was about to put the beautiful necklace around his neck, Bronya suddenly reached out and swiftly took it before he could.

Her movements were gentle but decisive, as though this was very important to her.

Baichen looked at her in surprise as she carefully picked up the necklace and slowly put it around his neck.

Her fingers passed gently through his hair, lightly brushing the back of his neck.

In that instant, Baichen felt a subtle shiver.

It wasn't caused by the cold, but by a feeling he couldn't put into words.

It was as if her fingertips conveyed a special energy that made his body react involuntarily.

Baichen couldn't help trembling slightly, but Bronya didn't seem to notice anything unusual. She focused on fastening the clasp, making sure the necklace hung securely against his chest.

"It suits you." She stepped back to admire her handiwork. "As if it were meant to be."

[Item obtained: Heart of Ice and Snow Necklace]

[Effect: Cryo control +20%]

Toward evening, Bronya suddenly suggested visiting the royal library.

Located in the palace's west wing, the building housed the most comprehensive collection of elemental texts in Teyvat, many of them one-of-a-kind copies.

"You're free to read anything here," she announced proudly. "Including the forbidden books section."

The privilege took Baichen by surprise. Bronya took his hand and led him to a special bookcase. "These are studies on controlling two elements. They should be very helpful to you."

She took down a hefty tome and opened it to a page. "Look here-'When two elements reach equilibrium within the body, a unique resonance occurs.'"

Baichen leaned closer to look, but accidentally touched her hand.

Bronya didn't pull away. Instead, she took his fingers in hers. "In theory, this resonance can..."

Her words were interrupted by a rush of footsteps.

La Signora, Rosalyne, hurried into the library, her expression unusually grave. "Your Majesty, the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma has sent a special envoy."

Bronya's expression turned cold in an instant. "Who?"

"Kujou Sara of the Tenryou Commission." Rosalyne glanced at Baichen. "She requests an immediate audience with Mr. Baichen and has a personal letter from the Raiden Shogun to deliver to him."

Bronya tapped her fingers lightly against the page, then made her decision. "Take her to the reception hall. We'll be there shortly."

[Raiden Shogun's favorability -5%, current: 57%]

[Note: Anxiety caused by distance]

In the reception hall, Kujou Sara stood straight, her wings slightly spread behind her, betraying her nervousness.

She visibly breathed a sigh of relief when Baichen entered, but frowned again when she noticed the necklace around his neck.

"Mr. Baichen." She bowed respectfully. "The Shogun sent me to confirm your safety." She took a letter from inside her clothes. "This is for you."

Bronya sat elegantly in the seat of honor. "The envoy has come a long way. Why not rest first?"

"There's no need." Kujou refused coldly. "I'm only here to deliver the letter. I'll leave once I've done so."

The letter was brief and restrained, asking how Baichen had been and reminding him when he was due to return.

But the handwriting was much messier than usual, showing that the writer's state of mind had been anything but calm.

At the very bottom was another line in small writing: "Does the mark by your ear still hurt?"

The intimate question warmed Baichen's heart.

At some point, Bronya had walked up behind him. Her gaze swept over the letter. "Such... touching concern."

She suddenly reached out and stroked the bite mark on Baichen's right ear, slowly channeling Cryo into it. "But now, this mark shouldn't hurt anymore, should it?"

The provocative gesture made Kujou's body tense instantly.

Baichen hurriedly stepped back, avoiding Bronya's hand. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, but this is... a private matter."

Bronya's eyes darkened, but she quickly returned to her elegant smile. "Of course. The envoy can go back and tell the Raiden Shogun that her 'special consultant' is doing very well in Snezhnaya. Even..." She gave Baichen's necklace a pointed glance. "Better than in Inazuma."

Kujou's expression soured.

She bowed to Baichen, then said quietly before turning to leave, "A ship will come for you in three days. Please make sure you're ready."

[Raiden Shogun's favorability -3%, current: 54%]

[Bronya's favorability +1%, current: 39%]

After Kujou left, Bronya's mood visibly fell.

She canceled the planned dinner and went to her study alone.

Baichen, meanwhile, was "invited" to a small tea party by The Knave, Arlecchino.

Besides several Harbingers, a few Snezhnayan nobles were also at the tea party.

Arlecchino wore the same mask as always, but her voice was surprisingly gentle.

"Her Majesty the Tsaritsa rarely pays so much attention to anyone." She handed Baichen a cup of black tea. "You're the second person she's personally taught to control an element."

"Who was the first?"

"Herself." The Captain, Capitano, interrupted with a hearty laugh. "Her Majesty Bronya is the most powerful wielder of Cryo Mastery in Snezhnaya's history."

The Doctor, Dottore, had come over at some point, holding a strange instrument. "Mind if I measure your elemental flow? People who possess two elements are exceedingly rare..."

As soon as her instrument came near Baichen's necklace, The Damselette, Columbina, knocked it away. "Don't scare people with those weird machines of yours!"

Amid the chaos, only Pantalone sat quietly in a corner, his golden eyes studying Baichen thoughtfully.

[Fatui Harbinger favorability update:

The Knave, Arlecchino: 15%

The Captain, Capitano: 13% (purely positive regard)

The Doctor, Dottore: 8% (purely positive regard)

The Damselette, Columbina: 10%

Pantalone: 5% (purely positive regard)]

After the tea party, Baichen walked alone in the garden, trying to sort out his thoughts.

The Zapolyarny Palace's garden was breathtaking even at night-the ice crystal plants glowed of their own accord in the moonlight, illuminating the paths like a dream.

"Do you like it here?"

Bronya's voice suddenly came from behind him. She had appeared behind Baichen at some point, holding an ice crystal rose.

"Beautiful," he answered honestly. "Completely different from Inazuma."

"Just like I'm different from someone you know?" she asked pointedly, pinning the rose to Baichen's collar.

Baichen didn't answer directly. "Every place has its own unique beauty."

Bronya chuckled and abruptly changed the subject. "Did you know? There's an old legend in Snezhnaya: anyone who finds a heart-shaped ice crystal in the ice crystal garden will be blessed with eternal love."

She took Baichen's hand and led him deeper into the garden. "Want to give it a try?"

[Bronya's affection +2%, current: 41%]

[Note: Romantic offensive]

They searched for nearly an hour before finally finding a naturally formed heart-shaped ice crystal in a secluded corner.

Delighted as a little girl, Bronya took it down herself and placed it in Baichen's palm:

"Looks like the legend is true." Her voice suddenly softened. "Perhaps... you were destined to find it."

Under the moonlight, her pale eyes seemed full of starlight, breathtakingly beautiful.

Just as the mood turned intimate, a bitterly cold wind suddenly swept past—the Electro Archon's Talisman on Baichen's chest emitted a faint purple glow.

Bronya's gaze immediately turned cold. "It seems someone doesn't want us to be alone for too long."

She stepped back, regaining her imperial dignity. "There's more training tomorrow. Get some rest early."

Back in the guest room, Baichen examined the Electro Archon's Talisman. It was much hotter than usual, clearly having sensed something. Outside the window, the aurora still danced across the night sky, beautiful and mysterious.

The system panel flickered before his eyes, displaying the latest data:

[Current ability values:

Electro mastery: LV.47

Cryo mastery: LV.25

Overall combat power: B+ rank]

[Current conquest progress:

Raiden Shogun: 54% (anxiety decreasing)

Bronya: 41% (growing more infatuated by the day)

Fatui Harbingers: 5-15% (varying degrees of interest)]

Baichen sat quietly at the desk, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the heart-shaped ice crystal and the Electro Archon's Talisman in his hands.

One of these two gifts came from Bronya, while the other belonged to Ei. They were like two extremes.

Yet both represented the special relationships he had with these two strong-willed women.

Bronya's gentleness was like the warm sun of spring, warm and soothing;

Ei's forcefulness, by contrast, was like a summer rainstorm, swift and fierce.

One was like water, the other like fire. Their personalities were completely different, yet both felt a persistent affection for him, an affection that sometimes made him feel suffocated.

He gazed at the ice crystal in his hand. Its clear, sparkling surface seemed to reflect Bronya's smiling face, her tenderness and care like a spring breeze brushing his face.

Yet when his gaze turned to the Electro Archon's Talisman, Ei's icy gaze and imposing presence surfaced in his mind.

What made him even more uneasy was that, as his Cryo abilities continued to improve, the Electro Archon's bite mark on his right ear was gradually fading.

Did that mean his connection with Ei was gradually weakening too?

The discovery filled him with panic, and he couldn't help considering what the two gifts represented and where he stood between them.

And of the "three days" Kujou had mentioned, only two remained now...

Could he really leave Snezhnaya as promised?

Or had Empress Bronya already made other plans...